Question

All the following statements about cork are true except

• A. it has the deposition of a fatty substance called suberin
• B. it is permeable to water and gases
• C. it is light in weight and temperature resistant
• D. it is formed from the cells of cork cambium

Answer 1

The correct option is B it is permeable to water and gases

Cork or phellem is formed from the outer cells of cork cambium. Cork cells are arranged in a compact manner and as they mature, their cell wall undergoes deposition of a lipophilic substance called suberin. Suberin deposition makes the cell dead and, practically, impervious to water and gases. Cork is light in weight and floats in water due to lesser density than water. Cork can also function as an efficient thermal insulator. Cork cambium is a type of lateral meristem which causes extra stelar secondary growth.